Prosecutor General: "Thorough Preparedness for Election-Related Crimes"... Rising Trend in Election Violence Offenders

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok instructed frontline prosecutors on the 4th to prepare for election-related violent crimes and to concentrate investigative capabilities ahead of the general election.

Lee ordered, "Establish a close cooperation system with related agencies such as the police and the National Election Commission to thoroughly prepare in advance for election-related crimes and focus investigative efforts on related offenses."

According to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the election crimes identified by Lee include "election-related violent acts motivated by political reasons such as winning, losing, or hatred toward opposing camps," as well as spreading false information, black propaganda, bribery, and election interference.

In fact, election-related violent offenders numbered 81 with 4 arrests during the 19th general election in 2012. Subsequently, during the 20th general election, 111 were booked with 7 arrests, and in the 21st general election, 244 were booked with 14 arrests, showing a continuous increase.